Abstract
Polarimetry has been a standard tool to probe the active galactic nucleus (AGN) jet magnetic field. In recent years, several optical polarization monitoring programs have been carried out, bringing in many exciting new results and insights into jet dynamics and emission. This article discusses current progress in blazar optical polarimetry. The main focus is the variability of polarization signatures, which has spurred a lot of theoretical studies. These novel developments have provided unique constraints on the blazar flares and emphasized the role of the magnetic field in jet evolution. Optical polarimetry will continue to act as an essential component in the multi-messenger study of AGN jets, in particular with the upcoming high-energy polarimetry. Comparing to first-principle numerical simulations, future multi-wavelength polarimetry can shed light on jet dynamics, particle acceleration, and radiation processes.
Highlights
Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are powered by strong accretion onto central supermassive black holes
Blazars consist of flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and BL Lac objects (BL Lacs)
Recent optical polarization monitoring programs have resulted in a rich understanding of polarization variability
Summary
Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are powered by strong accretion onto central supermassive black holes. The low-energy component is dominated by the synchrotron emission of relativistic electrons This is evident by the high linear polarization degree in the radio to optical bands (e.g., [11,12]). In the case of proton synchrotron models, the required magnetic field is usually strong (&10 G), and the acceleration of ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) in the blazar jet is often necessary [18,23]. Both scenarios can reproduce the typical blazar spectra and light curves (see, e.g., [24,25,26,27,28]). The goal of this article is to provide a balanced overview of optical polarimetry studies, it may be biased by the relevance to the above topics and the author’s research interests
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